CT readies for a busy Easter weekend

Road safety is a major focus this Easter weekend.
Law enforcement and emergency services have finalised their operational plans ahead of the Easter long weekend.

Numerous vehicle check points, roadblocks and crime prevention operations have been planned across the metropole to clamp down on drunk driving and anti-social behaviour.

Law enforcement agencies will also be deployed to beaches and other public attractions to ensure a visible presence and deter would-be criminals.

Operation Exodus, which was launched on Friday April 12, focuses on driver and vehicle fitness of public transport operators. The operation concludes tomorrow evening, as holidaymakers leave the city.

Vehicle examiners are conducting free safety checks on buses, minibuses and trailers at the Joe Gqabi and Bellville public transport interchanges, as well as the Intercape and Greyhound bus depots.

Mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, said: “We will not hesitate to act against anyone found breaking the law or putting their lives and the lives of others at risk.”

Meanwhile, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) has urged all road users to be extra cautious this Easter weekend and practice road safety.

A total of 332 people lost their lives on the country’s roads over the Easter weekend in 2018, according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

Pedestrian deaths were the highest, followed by those of passengers, drivers and cyclists respectively.

RAF says human factors remain the biggest cause of most road accidents.

In the 2017/2018 financial year, 271,933 new claims were registered with the RAF and 203,493 where finalised. There was an increase of 35% in the number of newly registered claims.